Rip It Up The Story of Scottish Pop

Discover the story of Scottish pop music at the National Museum of Scotland as we take you on a musical journey from the 1950s to the present day.

#RipItUp🎸

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This summer, join us for the first major exhibition dedicated to Scottish pop music, exploring the musical culture of the nation over more than half a century, from influential indie pioneers to global superstars.

From the days of the dancehalls to the emergence of pop in an explosion of colour in the 60s, through the 70s and New Wave, Rip It Up will feature global stars and independent local heroes from pop's early days right up to today’s outstanding newcomers.

Artists and bands to be featured include Lonnie Donegan, Gerry Rafferty, the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, Lulu, The Rezillos, Midge Ure, Simple Minds, The Skids, Big Country, Garbage, Franz Ferdinand, Young Fathers, and many more. The exhibition will be brought to life through original stage outfits and instruments, many loaned by the artists themselves, plus memorabilia, props, film and, of course, music.

‘Bay City Rollers jacket, 1976 tour programme, supersonic floppy disc and fan club badge on loan from a private collection; Bay City Rollers gold disc, guitar and earliest unreleased Bay City Roller acetate recording on loan from a private collection.

Objects on loan from Simple Minds.

Objects on loan from Garbage.

Objects on loan from Altered Images

Objects on loan from Fairground Attraction.

Chantal Meteor 200 jukebox made in Bristol between 1959 and 1962.

Detail of coat belonging to the Bay City Rollers.

Detail of PVC jumpsuit owned by Eugene Reynolds of the Rezillos.

Detail of purple and yellow dress belonging to Fay Fife of the Rezillos.

Detail of orange jacket belonging to Shirley Manson.

During the exhibition, a programme of musical events will allow you to participate in and experience Scottish pop music first hand through live performances, talks and discussions hosted at the National Museum of Scotland, as well as other associated events taking place across Edinburgh. Find out more about upcoming associated events here.

A three-part BBC TV series along with digital and radio content will bring another dimension to the story through the voices of those who made the music, those who witnessed it from behind the scenes, and the fans who lived for it. You can find out more about the series and watch it on iplayer here.

As well as a host of live performances, talks and discussions hosted at the National Museum of Scotland, an exciting programme of associated events will be taking place across Edinburgh during the exhibition run.

To get you in the mood for Rip It Up, we're sharing playlists of music inspired by the exhibition's themes, from Scottish pop classics to the tracks that mean the most to the people involved in creating the exhibition.

To celebrate our Rip It Up exhibition, we’ll be compiling the ultimate playlist of Scottish pop songs, chosen by you! We want you to nominate the Scottish songs that mean the most to you, that bring back precious memories or hold a special place in your heart.

When

Where

How much

* 60+, students with valid NUS or Young Scot card, unemployed with ID, disabled people. Carers of disabled people free.

All tickets include a discretionary donation. If you do not wish to make a charitable donation the admission prices are: Adult £9, Concession £7.20, Child £6.30. Tickets are subject to a transaction booking fee and postal costs.